Shaunna Cullen – General Assignment Reporter –
Southern is looking for two new senior administrators: a Vice President for Student Affairs and a Chief Information Officer.
Southern’s website provides a link to each position description as to what the school is looking for in a person, as well as some of the duties and tasks the jobs may entail.
William Biajioni, senior philosophy major, said he thinks Southern doesn’t need to hire new people “until the needs of the smaller departments can be met.”
Currently serving as Interim Chief Information Officer is Dr. Kenneth A. Spelke, according to the University Administrators page on Southern’s website.
The Chief Information Officer position is described as, “responsible for long-range strategic planning and implementation of information technology and leads the Office of Information Technology (OIT).”
Making sure students understand how to use technology specific to their future work environment in order for them to be successful is one of the bullet points on the OIT agenda.
According to Southern’s job description, the person applying for this job will also need to get involved with listening to students’ needs for the advancement of technology on campus.
This person will “provide expert and trusted information technology advice to the President, senior leaders and the entire campus after seeking broad input from the university community.”
Anyone applying for the position must meet several education requirements including “an advanced degree in computer science, management information systems or a related field or equivalent experience,” and “a minimum of six years of progressively responsible professional experience in the management of information technology, preferably in a higher education environment,” according to the posting.
Assisting Southern with filtering applicants are Dr. Thomas B. Courtice and Ms. Judith B Ward of the Association of Governing Boards Search in Washington, DC.
Marianne Kennedy is currently serving as the Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The Vice President for Student Affairs is open to applicants. This position’s duties include overseeing many different offices and programs including, “residence life, student life, judicial affairs, drug and alcohol programs, the Women’s Center, the Disability Resource Center, health and wellness programs and resources, multicultural student activities, career services, counseling services, student supportive services, the Adanti Student Center, and the John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts,” according to the job posting.
“I think it’s very important that Southern looks for someone that is enthusiastic and outgoing with fresh ideas on how to get students more excited about the various programs that Southern offers,” said Naomi Jungden, a senior psychology major.
Jungden said she feels like there are a lot of programs students don’t know about and hopes with a new VPSA, more programs will be promoted and students will be more aware of what is offered.
The new VPSA also will have many opportunities for leadership according to Southern’s website. They will be able to continue to expand on existing efforts to get students more involved on campus and make Southern “an ever-more dynamic and inviting place for its residential and commuter populations.”
In a VPSA, Southern is looking for someone that meets several qualifications, including a doctoral degree, “the ability to use data effectively in decision-making and advocacy,” and a sense of humor among other experience the candidate might have. Helping Southern filter applicants and nominations for the VPSA position are Dr. Robert Holyer and Julia Tea, senior consultants of the Association of Governing Boards Search.
